Adirondack Geology,
History & Natural Resources
Nature Observation &
Nature Journaling
Choose from any of the concepts or sample classes below or work with us to build your own custom program!
Forest Ecology and Management
Visit sites in various stages of ecological succession following
natural and human disturbance. Inventory, measure,
compare and contrast the biotic and abiotic components of
each site including canopy cover, temperature, tree species,
soil invertebrates, and wildlife.
White-tailed Deer Ecology and Management
Students are introduced to deer ecology, monitoring and
research methods with hands-on activities.
Small Mammal Ecology and Management
Students use data collection and live trapping to learn about
the diversity of Adirondack small mammal species, methods
for assessing population density and distribution and the
ecological importance of these organisms.
Adirondack Geology, History & Natural Resources
Students get an introduction to geology, history and the
evolution of technology while investigating the ecological,
social and economic impacts of resource extraction in the
Adirondacks. Program includes visiting abandoned mining
and logging sites.
Interpretive Nature Hike
Students join naturalist staff on a guided exploration of our
trails, highlighting concepts including forest ecology, wildlife
habitat, adaptations, relationships in nature and the diversity
of life in the northern forest, from ferns to birds, trees to fish,
and most everything in between.
Planning Your Trip With NFI
5922 State Route 28N, Newcomb, NY 12852
Nature Observation & Nature Journaling
In these two programs, students learn how to better observe
nature and more greatly appreciate the natural world while
expressing themselves through sketching, painting and
writing. These programs support your ELA curriculum.
The Natural History of Literature
Students learn the importance of understanding natural
history to articulate a sense of place. This program uses
excerpts from literature and writing exercises to highlight the
process of creating an accurate and rich sense of place.
Macro-Invertebrate Studies
Students explore the ecology of aquatic communities using
scientific sampling techniques to learn about macroinvertebrates and their role as indicator species, a key
determinant of water quality. Related programs focus on
invasive aquatic species, water chemistry & limnology.
Tracking and Winter Wildlife Ecology
Students strap on snowshoes and hit the trails, looking for
signs of wildlife and learning about behavioral and physical
adaptations animals use to survive winter in the Adirondacks.
Ecological Adaptations
Students apply inquiry, observation and critical thinking skills
while studying teaching specimens, skulls and skeletons to
learn about the diversity of life and species’ adaptive
responses to their living environment.
Contact our staff at 518.582.2000 or aic@esf.edu to
explore educational program opportunities, learn about
our flexible fees and discuss the details of your visit.
esf.edu/nfi
Interpretive
Nature Hike
The Age of Reason: Philosophy for Primary
and Secondary School Students
Philosophy units are designed to complement the primary
content provided by the SUNY-ESF Northern Forest Institute
staff. These modules are developed using established
Philosophy for Children (P4C) lesson plans and curricula
covering topics as diverse as ethics of the environment, the
virtues of happiness, abstract thinking and reasoning and
what constitutes the good life. Contact Marianne at
mpatinelli@esf.edu for additional information or to request a
program at your school.
A Tailored Program for Your Class
Our staff are committed to providing programming that best
fits your needs and schedule. Plan a day trip or take
advantage of our housing and dining facilities, to create a
multi-day residential experience at SUNY-ESF’s Newcomb
Campus. Can’t come to us? We can visit your school for
hands-on programs in the classroom.
“Now instead of playing video games,
I can nature journal!” 4th grade student
518.582.2000
“These young people were exposed to
an entirely new way of looking at and
interacting with nature.”
7th grade residential group leader
Experience the NFI
The Northern Forest Institute provides your
students with hands-on, place-based
educational programs year-round.
As part of SUNY-ESF’s Newcomb Campus, NFI
has access to a variety of facilities and resources
to create a unique and memorable experience
for your students, including:
Adirondack Interpretive Center, a year-round
public nature education center with a 3.6
mile trail system
Huntington Wildlife Forest, a 15,000 acre
research property
Authentic Adirondack guideboats and a fleet
of canoes for water-based programming on
the beautiful Rich Lake
Huntington Lodge, a part of the historic
Arbutus Great Camp and perfect for
discussions, writing exercises and other
thoughtful, reflective programs
Our interdisciplinary programs connect
Adirondack natural and cultural history with a
wide range of topics including:
Writing
Science
Reading & Writing
History
Adirondack Ecological
Art & the
Center research
Humanities
SUNY-ESF’s Newcomb Campus is comprised of the
Adirondack Ecological Center (AEC), Adirondack
Interpretive Center (AIC) and the Northern Forest
Institute (NFI).
SUNY ESF’s
Northern
Forest
Institute
Informal science education & interpretative programs
in the heart of the Adirondacks
NFI serves as the outreach program on the Newcomb
Campus providing audiences with engaging
educational programming drawing upon AEC
research and utilizing the AIC’s facilities.
Northern Forest Institute
at SUNY-ESF’s Newcomb Campus
5922 State Route 28N
Newcomb, NY 12852
518.582.2000
aic@esf.edu
esf.edu/nfi
Original brochure layout and design by
Valentina Savio and Rebecca Oyer
2012
Our interactive educational programs satisfy a
variety of NYS and Common Core learning
standards to support your curriculum.
esf.edu/nfi
We want YOU to get outside!
esf.edu/nfi